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What is the Westminster System?
What is the Westminster System?
A democratic system of government used in the Palace of Westminster and in Commonwealth countries.
Which roles does the executive typically fulfill?
Which roles does the executive typically fulfill?
In a parliamentary system, the head of government is the prime minister.
In a parliamentary system, the head of government is the prime minister.
True
What is parliamentarism?
What is parliamentarism?
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Parliamentary systems lack flexibility compared to presidential systems.
Parliamentary systems lack flexibility compared to presidential systems.
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What is a primary criticism of parliamentary systems?
What is a primary criticism of parliamentary systems?
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What powers does the British monarch possess?
What powers does the British monarch possess?
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What is the Royal Prerogative?
What is the Royal Prerogative?
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In the context of the Caribbean, who typically holds the role of head of state?
In the context of the Caribbean, who typically holds the role of head of state?
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The chief executive in a parliamentary system cannot be questioned by the legislature.
The chief executive in a parliamentary system cannot be questioned by the legislature.
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In the Caribbean, how is the political system influenced by the British system?
In the Caribbean, how is the political system influenced by the British system?
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What type of political system is primarily used in the Commonwealth Caribbean?
What type of political system is primarily used in the Commonwealth Caribbean?
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In Trinidad and Tobago, who elects the largely ceremonial president?
In Trinidad and Tobago, who elects the largely ceremonial president?
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The presidential model in the USA supports the doctrine of a unified executive and legislative power.
The presidential model in the USA supports the doctrine of a unified executive and legislative power.
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What is a common criticism of the presidential system according to the document?
What is a common criticism of the presidential system according to the document?
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In which Caribbean country is the president directly elected during National Assembly elections?
In which Caribbean country is the president directly elected during National Assembly elections?
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The principal executive officer in Barbados is the ______.
The principal executive officer in Barbados is the ______.
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What question did constitutional review teams in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago address?
What question did constitutional review teams in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago address?
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What is a potential consequence of lacking crucial democratic elements in Commonwealth Caribbean states?
What is a potential consequence of lacking crucial democratic elements in Commonwealth Caribbean states?
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The document suggests that the Westminster form of government strengthens individual rights and freedoms.
The document suggests that the Westminster form of government strengthens individual rights and freedoms.
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Which electoral system is mentioned as potentially being replaced in the discussion?
Which electoral system is mentioned as potentially being replaced in the discussion?
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What is the purpose of judicial review under the constitution?
What is the purpose of judicial review under the constitution?
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The Governor-General of Barbados sits in Parliament.
The Governor-General of Barbados sits in Parliament.
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What is the maximum duration for which the Senate can delay a Money Bill?
What is the maximum duration for which the Senate can delay a Money Bill?
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The House of Assembly shall consist of ______ members or such greater number as Parliament may prescribe.
The House of Assembly shall consist of ______ members or such greater number as Parliament may prescribe.
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Which of the following is NOT a function of the Senate?
Which of the following is NOT a function of the Senate?
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Who appoints judges to the Supreme Court in Barbados?
Who appoints judges to the Supreme Court in Barbados?
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What type of system does the House of Assembly election follow?
What type of system does the House of Assembly election follow?
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The Prime Minister of Barbados is considered the most important individual in the cabinet.
The Prime Minister of Barbados is considered the most important individual in the cabinet.
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What does the Parliament have the power to make laws for?
What does the Parliament have the power to make laws for?
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What are the main functions of the opposition?
What are the main functions of the opposition?
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The Prime Minister must keep the Governor-General ______ of the general conduct of government.
The Prime Minister must keep the Governor-General ______ of the general conduct of government.
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Study Notes
Westminster System
- The Westminster System is a democratic system of government found in Westminster, England.
- The system is a set of procedures for a legislature and is used in the Commonwealth nations.
- The system includes the executive branch, opposition parties, an elected legislature, and a head of state.
- The executive branch enforces the law through prisons and the police force, conducts foreign relations, commands the armed forces, appoints government officials, and issues executive orders.
- The executive branch typically requires the consent of the legislature to ratify treaties, appoint officials, or declare war.
Parliamentarianism
- A parliamentary system, or parliamentarism, grants the executive branch dependence on the support of the parliament.
- Parliamentarism is praised for its flexibility and responsiveness to the public, while criticized for its tendency to lead to unstable governments.
- A parliamentary system usually has a clear separation between the head of government and the head of state, with the head of government being a prime minister and the head of state being an appointed figurehead.
- Some parliamentary systems have an elected president with many reserve powers as the head of state, providing balance to the system.
Advantages of a Parliamentary System
- Power is not divided in this system, making it more easily seen who is responsible for inaction compared to a presidential system.
- The chief executive, or prime minister, is often questioned by the legislature, holding him accountable.
- It is easier to pass legislation in a parliamentary system because the executive branch is dependent on the legislative branch.
- Stalemate can occur in a presidential system when the executive and legislative branches are from different political parties because they may not agree on legislature.
Disadvantages of a Parliamentary System
- The head of government cannot be directly voted on, leaving electors surprised by the person selected.
- The prime minister is not directly chosen by the people; instead, he or she is elected by the party leadership.
- A lack of separation between the legislative and executive branches can lead to the executive branch being overpowered.
- The prime minister’s power has increased in recent years, putting him or her in a position of dominance over the government.
The Sovereign
- The British monarch, or Sovereign, serves as the head of state for both the United Kingdom and the British overseas territories.
- The powers of the monarchy, known as the Royal Prerogative, are extensive but exercised by the Crown.
- Most prerogative powers are exercised by ministers, but a few high-level powers, such as dissolving Parliament, are exercised by the monarch.
- Political power is exercised through Parliament and the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
- The British monarchy is a constitutional one where the Sovereign’s role is limited to ceremonial and non-partisan functions.
- The Sovereign serves as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, as well as the Head of the Commonwealth.
The Sovereign’s Political Role
- The Sovereign is responsible for choosing a new Prime Minister, usually the leader of the party with the most support in the House of Commons.
- The Sovereign appoints and dismisses Cabinet and other ministers; however, in practice, the Prime Minister controls the composition of the Cabinet.
- The Sovereign holds regular meetings with the Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet but ultimately accepts their decisions as a constitutional ruler.
- The Sovereign plays a symbolic role in the United Kingdom, including being the figurehead of the national anthem, appearing on postage stamps, coins, and notes, and the oaths of allegiance.
The Royal Prerogative
- The monarch is responsible for the appointment and dismissal of ministers, Privy Counsellors, members of executive agencies, and government officials.
- In practice, these officials are chosen by the Prime Minister or other ministers.
- The monarch serves as the head of the Armed Forces, giving him or her the power to declare war or peace, but acting in this capacity is guided by ministers.
The Sovereign’s Foreign Affairs Role
- The Sovereign can negotiate and ratify treaties, alliances, and international agreements without parliamentary approval, but the terms of the agreements cannot alter domestic law.
- The Sovereign accredits British High Commissioners and ambassadors, receives diplomats from foreign states, and issues British passports.
The Sovereign’s Judicial Role
- The Sovereign serves as the fount of justice and is responsible for rendering justice for all subjects, although judicial functions are performed in his or her name.
- The Supreme Court and other courts derive their authority from the Crown.
- The Crown is not prosecuted in its own courts for criminal offenses.
The Sovereign’s Role in Pardons
- The Sovereign exercises the “prerogative of mercy,” and may pardon offenses against the Crown, but typically does so on ministerial advice.
The Sovereign’s Role in Honors
- The Sovereign serves as the fount of honor, giving him or her the right to create peerages, appoint members of orders of chivalry, and award other honors.
- In practice, these are typically granted on the advice of the Prime Minister, although some are within the Sovereign’s personal gift.
The Sovereign’s Role With the Church of England
- The Sovereign serves as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
- The Prime Minister chooses the appointee for Archbishop and bishop positions selected from nominees in the Crown Nominations Commission.
- The role of the Crown in the Church of England is mostly titular, with the Archbishop of Canterbury serving as the spiritual leadership.
### The Sovereign’s Role as Head of the Commonwealth
- The Sovereign serves as the monarch of the United Kingdom and several other Commonwealth countries.
- While the monarch’s constitutional powers are largely the same in each Commonwealth country, day-to-day functions are performed by the Governor-General, who represents the monarch.
- The Sovereign acts solely on the advice of the local Prime Minister and Cabinet in each Commonwealth country.
Type of Government in the Caribbean
- The Caribbean implements Parliamentary systems with a clear difference between the head of government and the head of state, similar to the United Kingdom.
- The head of government is the prime minister, and the head of state is usually an appointed figurehead with mostly ceremonial powers.
- Some parliamentary systems in the Caribbean have an elected president as the head of state, including Guyana, who serves as a counterbalance to the system.
### Westminster System in the Caribbean
- Commonwealth Caribbean constitutions are based on the British political systems.
- Independent constitutions in the Caribbean have modifications, including written constitutions, judicial review, and the appointment of an ombudsman, though not all have incorporated these changes.
Parliament in the Caribbean
- Parliament is the organ of the Government responsible for the country’s “peace, order, and good government.”
- The Constitution is supreme, but Parliament can alter it by following specific procedures.
- Parliament is comprised of the Sovereign, a Senate, and a House of Assembly.
- The Governor-General, representing the Sovereign, summons, prorogues, and dissolves Parliament, as well as assents to bills.
- The House of Assembly holds considerable power in a bicameral parliamentary system, as is seen in Barbados.
Parliament's Powers and Functions
- Parliament has lawmaking powers, constrained only by the Constitution.
- Parliament can pass laws for the ''peace order and good government of Barbados.''
- Parliament has the power to regulate its own proceedings.
The Governor General
- The Governor General represents the Queen of England in Barbados.
- The Governor General is appointed by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister.
- The Governor General's main role is ceremonial, including conferring honours and signing important documents.
- The Governor General acts on the advice of the Prime Minister in relation to the appointment and removal of various government officials.
The House of Assembly
- The House of Assembly is the lower house of Parliament.
- The House consists of 24 or more members, elected by the people.
- The number of members in the House depends on the Representation of the People Act.
- The Electoral and Boundaries Commission divides the electorate into constituencies.
- Each constituency elects one representative using the first-past-the-post system.
The Prime Minister
- The Prime Minister is the head of government.
- The Prime Minister is selected from the leader of the party with the majority of seats in the House of Assembly.
- The Prime Minister keeps the Governor General informed about government activities and acts as the spokesperson for the nation.
- The Prime Minister appoints and dismisses ministers.
- The Prime Minister has considerable influence over Cabinet decisions.
The Cabinet
- The Cabinet is made up of the Prime Minister and selected ministers.
- Cabinet is the policy-making body of the government and controls the civil service.
- Cabinet members are responsible to the House of Assembly and must defend government decisions.
- Permanent secretaries advise ministers on government issues.
The Opposition
- The opposition provides a check on the government.
- The opposition participates in parliamentary debates, criticizes government policies and proposes alternatives.
- The opposition seeks to gain power when the government falls.
The Senate
- The Senate is the upper house of parliament.
- It is composed of 21 members, appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and in the Governor General's discretion.
- The Senate's main function is to review bills, propose amendments, and initiate non-money bills.
- The Senate can delay bills but not indefinitely.
The Judiciary
- The Judiciary consists of magistrate courts and the Supreme Court.
- The Supreme Court includes the High Court and the Court of Appeals.
- The Caribbean Court of Justice is the final appeal court for Barbados.
- Judges are appointed by the Governor General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition.
Critiquing the Westminster System in the Caribbean
- The Westminster system has been criticized for increasing executive power.
- Concerns exist over the Prime Minister's power and potential for autocratic decision-making.
- The presidential model used in the US is considered to be more democratic, but also prone to gridlock and deadlock.
- The direct election of a president is seen as more democratic than the parliamentary system.
Issues for Consideration
- Should Barbados replace the Queen with a President?
- Should the Senate selection system be revised?
- Should a different electoral system be adopted (proportional representation or a combination of systems)?
- Have we achieved genuine political and social decolonisation in the Caribbean?
- Does the Westminster model enhance fundamental rights and freedoms, deepen political democracy, and make government more accountable and effective?
Introduction to Caribbean Politics and Democracy
- Caribbean politics is a complex field encompassing colonization, decolonization, and modern political dynamics
Key Authors and Their Works
- Barrow-Giles, C. (2002): "Introduction to Caribbean Politics" - Provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding Caribbean political systems
- Belle, G. (1988): "The Struggle for Political Democracy, 1937 riots" - Analyzes the significance of the 1937 riots in advancing political democracy
- Emmanuel, P. (1978): "Crown Colony Politics in Grenada 1917-1951" - Examines the political landscape of Grenada during its colonial era
- Finer, S.E. (1970): "Comparative Government: An Introduction to the Study of Politics" - Offers a broad framework for understanding political systems across different nations
- Gonsalves, R. (2001): "The Politics of our Caribbean Civilization" - Explores the unique political and social aspects of Caribbean societies
- Grigsby, E. (2005): "Analysing Politics, An Introduction to Political Science" - Provides analytical tools for understanding political processes
- James, C.L.R. (1962): "The Middle Classes" - Examines the role and influence of the middle class in Caribbean societies
- Lewis, G.K. (1968): "The Growth of the Modern West Indies" - Chronicles the historical development leading to modern Caribbean societies
- Munroe, T. (1985): "Introduction to Politics" - Introduces fundamental concepts and frameworks of political science within a Caribbean context
- Munroe, T. (1982): "Decolonisation in the Caribbean State System" - Explores the process and consequences of decolonization in the Caribbean
- Murray, W. (1971): "The Politics of the Dispossessed" - Focuses on marginalized groups and their political struggles in Caribbean societies
- Organization of American States (OAS) (2002): "Constitutional Reform in the Caribbean" - Examines reforms and their impact on Caribbean political systems
- Robotham, D. and Munroe, T. (1977): "Struggles of the Jamaican People" - Analyzes political movements and struggles in Jamaica
- Robotham, D. (1996): "Nineteen Thirty-Eight" - Examines the 1938 labor riots in Jamaica
- Ryan, S. (1972): "Race and Nationalism in Trinidad and Tobago" - Examines the intersection of race and nationalism in Trinidad and Tobago
- Ryan, S. (1989): "The Disillusioned Electorate" - Explores reasons for voter apathy in Trinidad
- Ryan, S. (1999): "Winner Takes All: The Westminster Experience in the Caribbean" - Evaluates the impact of the Westminster system in the Caribbean context
- Singham, A. (1968): "The Hero in the Crowd in a Colonial Polity" - Examines the role of heroes and popular movements in colonial societies
- Stone, C. (1971): "Decolonisation and Political Change in Jamaica and Trinidad" - Analyzes the political transitions of Jamaica and Trinidad following independence
- Stone, C. (1983): "Democracy and Clientelism in Jamaica" - Explores the relationship between democracy and patronage politics in Jamaica
- Stone, C. (1986): "Class, State and Democracy in Jamaica" - Examines how class structures and the state shape democratic processes in Jamaica
- Williams, E. (1970): "From Columbus to Castro" - Provides a historical overview of the Caribbean focusing on colonialism and revolutionary movements
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